Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria cannot approve the negotiating framework for North Macedonia’s EU membership as yet: Foreign Minister

Ekaterina Zaharieva
Photo: BGNES

“We are not in a capacity to approve the negotiating framework for North Macedonia as yet,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva said at a briefing.

In her words, the Macedonian side systematically violates the good-neighbour agreement, barriers are being created impeding Bulgarian investments, no steps are being taken to address hate speech.

“The position of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and of the Bulgarian government is a position of good will, but no compromises leading to anti-Bulgarian campaigning will be tolerated. It would be difficult for the entire European Union if we have open issues. There are such examples at the moment, and they are not pleasant,” she said.

In Ekaterina Zaharieva’s words there is still a chance of achieving agreement on the negotiating framework. “Time is running out but the fact that the German Presidency of the Council of the EU is committed to the process gives positive indications. It would be to the detriment, most of all of Skopje, if they do not wish to fit into the defined framework,” Minister Zaharieva said.

North Macedonia and Bulgaria must iron out their differences by 10 November when a meeting of the foreign ministers of the EU countries is scheduled at which the negotiating framework is to be approved. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Bansko ski runs open on St. Nicholas Day

The winter season in Bansko starts earlier this year. The ski area opens on December 6, 2024. All slopes will be open except for Chalin Valog and the ski road to Bansko. The runs are in excellent condition, it was reported. Until..

published on 12/6/24 8:50 AM

MEP delegation visits Danube Bridge 2

Members of the European Parliament and the European Commission will visit today the "Danube Bridge 2" near Vidin (on the border with Romania). The visit was organised by Bulgarian MEPs Emil Radev and Andrey Novakov of GERB/EPP. The delegation will..

published on 12/6/24 8:15 AM

Chernomorets residents "lock" the sea

The seaside town of Chernomorets celebrates its holiday on St. Nicholas Day. Saint Nicholas is revered as the patron saint of fishermen and sailors.  Every year on this date, a procession is organized with the miraculous icon of..

published on 12/6/24 5:10 AM